Check out his counterpart at East Grand Rapids, junior Mitchell Petersen. He is known for his consistency and persistence.

Now get the two of them across the net from each other -- like they most likely will be Saturday in the finals of the O-K White Conference tennis tournament -- and be assured of an exciting, well-executed and enjoyable contest.

There’s nothing better than watching two really good players compete at a high level. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a match won or lost on ability and not determined by gamesmanship.

“They are both great kids, both have an all-around game,” said Dave Wollerman, East Grand Rapids’ coach. “They are fun to watch and fun to coach.

Northview coach Matt Howe agrees: “Every time they play, it’s a good match. When you watch those two play, who wins is really on Aaron’s racket. He needs to go out there and play his best tennis.”

When they faced off in the conference dual match about four weeks ago, Petersen rallied to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. But when they played last summer in the men’s open singles final of the Hall of Fame Classic, Hendrick won 6-0, 6-3 to become the youngest champion in the 18 years of the event.

Hendrick, who is ranked 24th in the Midwest by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in Boys-18, owns a 4-2 edge in matches against Petersen. Petersen is ranked 31st by the USTA in Boys-16 in the Midwest.

Entering Saturday’s conference meet, Hendrick is 26-1 this season and Petersen is 19-2.

“Mitchell and I go to a lot of tournaments together, we hit at the same club, we teach tennis at the same club, we are good friends,” Hendrick said. “When I play him, I know he’s not going to give me points. It’s going to be a tough match.”

Petersen, who also was the state champ at No. 4 singles as a freshman after winning that flight at the O-K White Conference meet, claimed the conference title at No. 3 singles last year.

A regional and state champ, Hendrick never has won a conference crown. Could that change this year?

“Who wins usually depends on how well Aaron’s playing,” Petersen said. “It’s usually pretty tough to beat him. We’re pretty good friends, and the competition is always nice.”

After Saturday, the two players head in different directions. Hendrick advances to the regional round of the Division 2 state tournament the following weekend, while Petersen competes in Division 3.

Their respective state championships are scheduled Oct. 16-17.In the meantime, their struggles against each other in the O-K White can only make them better.